‘Forever Chemicals’ in Rainwater, Study Finds

What’s the story? 

• A new study found that "forever chemicals" in rainwater often greatly exceed drinking water health advisory levels set forth by various environmental agencies. The study by Stockholm University reported that worldwide rainwater contains per-and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) which are a hazard to global human health. 
• The paper published by the American Chemical Society concludes that no place on earth is untouched by these chemicals and suggests that PFAS be restricted immediately. 
• Rainwater exceeds the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s lifetime drinking water health advisory levels, the Environmental Quality Standard for Inland European Union Surface Water, and Danish drinking water limits. The water quality guidelines deem rainwater as now unsafe to drink.
• The U.S. guidelines for PFAS in drinking water were recently revised, drastically cutting the acceptable level of human exposure to the chemicals since scientists have a greater understanding of the toxicity of these chemicals and the threat they pose to the world. The lead author of the study, Ian Cousins, said in a press release:

“Based on the latest US guidelines for [PFAS] in drinking water, rainwater everywhere would be judged unsafe to drink. Although in the industrial world we don’t often drink rainwater, many people around the world expect it to be safe to drink and it supplies many of our drinking water sources.” 

• The study also found that the chemicals continuously cycle through the atmosphere, and soil across the globe is “ubiquitously contaminated” with PFAS. 

What are PFAS, and how do they get into the environment?

• PFAS are synthetic chemicals developed in the 1940s and became popular for their ability to repel water and oil and be temperature resistant. Manufacturers use PFAS in a variety of products like non-stick cookware and cosmetics. 
• Through these products, PFAS traveled through wastewater and contaminated natural water, soil, and air. The chemicals have polluted the soil that grows agriculture worldwide, drinking water reservoirs, the globe’s atmosphere, and have even made their way into Arctic ice. 
• PFAS are known as “forever chemicals” because they are long-lasting chemicals that break down slowly over time. These chemicals will be in the environment for years and years to come. 
• While some states and businesses have made an effort to decrease PFAS, Cousins said in the study: 

“They are not declining noticeably because of the high persistence of PFAS and their ability to cycle from the ocean back to the atmosphere.”

Health impacts of PFAS

• It is difficult to identify the long-term health impacts of exposure to PFAS. The new study, however, suggests that everyone on earth is at risk of exposure and unknown health effects.
• Studies have linked PFAS to a few health issues so far, including liver damage, women’s fertility, and pregnancy issues, gestational diabetes, certain cancers, and lower immune system response. 
• According to Medical News Today, people should be aware of how PFAS may impact their overall health and take precautions to test their drinking water for the chemicals.
• Dr. Perry Elizabeth Sheffield of the New York State Children’s Environmental Health Centers network and Mount Sinai explained: 

“While we think children, in particular, may be sensitive to negative health effects if exposed because they are still growing and developing, more information is needed.”

• Dr. Sheffield suggests people review the New York State Children’s Environmental Health Centers page on PFAS. Dr. Monique May of UnitedHealth Group suggests families ask their local water utility company for information about PFAS levels in the water supply if they are concerned. Other steps include requesting the water to be tested, investing in water filters, and seeking out expertise in environmental medicine.

What do you think? Do you want your drinking water to be tested for PFAS?

-Jamie Epstein

(Photo credit: iStock/kulkann)